Firefighter strike begins

They are taking industrial action as part of a national dispute over retirement age and pensions.

Emergency arrangements have been put in place to provide some fire cover in Essex.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Members of the public should continue to dial 999 in an emergency and we will respond.

"Businesses, just make a note to follow up automatic alarms with a phone call to ensure a response."

Share article

And in a message to residents and businesses the spokesman added: "It's important we are able to direct our resources where they are needed most during the next 24 hours, so please be safer, be slower, be vigilant."

Promoted Stories

Comments (7)

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.Say It As It Is OK?

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

Score: 4

Boris says...12:37pm Thu 12 Jun 14

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

I am Joe Public and I support them.

[quote][p][bold]Say It As It Is OK?[/bold] wrote:
When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.[/p][/quote]I am Joe Public and I support them.Boris

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

I am Joe Public and I support them.

Score: 0

wormshero says...12:49pm Thu 12 Jun 14

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

They have my support, pretty sure I'm also a member of the public, last time I checked. I can't stand people claiming everyone should take these negative changes that bring a worse quality of life whenever there's a strike, just because other people have it bad (those others should strike for better conditions, not bring others down - a race to the bottom is not the right thing to do). The firefighters do an important job with high risks and don't deserve to have their conditions changed for the worse part way through their careers.

[quote][p][bold]Say It As It Is OK?[/bold] wrote:
When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.[/p][/quote]They have my support, pretty sure I'm also a member of the public, last time I checked.
I can't stand people claiming everyone should take these negative changes that bring a worse quality of life whenever there's a strike, just because other people have it bad (those others should strike for better conditions, not bring others down - a race to the bottom is not the right thing to do). The firefighters do an important job with high risks and don't deserve to have their conditions changed for the worse part way through their careers.wormshero

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

They have my support, pretty sure I'm also a member of the public, last time I checked. I can't stand people claiming everyone should take these negative changes that bring a worse quality of life whenever there's a strike, just because other people have it bad (those others should strike for better conditions, not bring others down - a race to the bottom is not the right thing to do). The firefighters do an important job with high risks and don't deserve to have their conditions changed for the worse part way through their careers.

Score: -2

Say It As It Is OK? says...3:06pm Thu 12 Jun 14

wormshero wrote…

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

They have my support, pretty sure I'm also a member of the public, last time I checked. I can't stand people claiming everyone should take these negative changes that bring a worse quality of life whenever there's a strike, just because other people have it bad (those others should strike for better conditions, not bring others down - a race to the bottom is not the right thing to do). The firefighters do an important job with high risks and don't deserve to have their conditions changed for the worse part way through their careers.

I'm sure nobody else wanted to take these changes in pension rights either but most others have little choice in the matter and everyone striking would be much more of a negative for bringing this country to its knees very quickly. As it is this group are totally unreal with their negative approach to constantly striking. Nobody is saying they don't do a worthwhile job and they actively seek sympathy as being a 'special case'. Teachers are the same and both groups do worthwhile jobs but so do millions of other people who are also important and there are many other workers who will find continuing working until their late 60s very difficult. But they have little choice Perhaps firefighters teachers and anyone else for that matter should massively increase their own pension contributions so they can retire earlier than everyone else has to but I can't see many of them supporting that idea. Alternatively, everyone is free to seek employment elsewhere but I doubt if they would do that either. The fact of the matter is there is no stomach from most people to support groups who are hell bent on holding the nation to ransom with unreasonable demands.

[quote][p][bold]wormshero[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Say It As It Is OK?[/bold] wrote:
When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.[/p][/quote]They have my support, pretty sure I'm also a member of the public, last time I checked.
I can't stand people claiming everyone should take these negative changes that bring a worse quality of life whenever there's a strike, just because other people have it bad (those others should strike for better conditions, not bring others down - a race to the bottom is not the right thing to do). The firefighters do an important job with high risks and don't deserve to have their conditions changed for the worse part way through their careers.[/p][/quote]I'm sure nobody else wanted to take these changes in pension rights either but most others have little choice in the matter and everyone striking would be much more of a negative for bringing this country to its knees very quickly. As it is this group are totally unreal with their negative approach to constantly striking. Nobody is saying they don't do a worthwhile job and they actively seek sympathy as being a 'special case'. Teachers are the same and both groups do worthwhile jobs but so do millions of other people who are also important and there are many other workers who will find continuing working until their late 60s very difficult. But they have little choice
Perhaps firefighters teachers and anyone else for that matter should massively increase their own pension contributions so they can retire earlier than everyone else has to but I can't see many of them supporting that idea. Alternatively, everyone is free to seek employment elsewhere but I doubt if they would do that either. The fact of the matter is there is no stomach from most people to support groups who are hell bent on holding the nation to ransom with unreasonable demands.Say It As It Is OK?

wormshero wrote…

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

They have my support, pretty sure I'm also a member of the public, last time I checked. I can't stand people claiming everyone should take these negative changes that bring a worse quality of life whenever there's a strike, just because other people have it bad (those others should strike for better conditions, not bring others down - a race to the bottom is not the right thing to do). The firefighters do an important job with high risks and don't deserve to have their conditions changed for the worse part way through their careers.

I'm sure nobody else wanted to take these changes in pension rights either but most others have little choice in the matter and everyone striking would be much more of a negative for bringing this country to its knees very quickly. As it is this group are totally unreal with their negative approach to constantly striking. Nobody is saying they don't do a worthwhile job and they actively seek sympathy as being a 'special case'. Teachers are the same and both groups do worthwhile jobs but so do millions of other people who are also important and there are many other workers who will find continuing working until their late 60s very difficult. But they have little choice Perhaps firefighters teachers and anyone else for that matter should massively increase their own pension contributions so they can retire earlier than everyone else has to but I can't see many of them supporting that idea. Alternatively, everyone is free to seek employment elsewhere but I doubt if they would do that either. The fact of the matter is there is no stomach from most people to support groups who are hell bent on holding the nation to ransom with unreasonable demands.

Score: 2

Jess Jephcott says...5:44pm Thu 12 Jun 14

Grrrr. Here we go again. Unionised bullies who think they have the right to intimidate their customers with their selfish demands. These people are not productive. They are public sector workers who are paid out of our taxes; taxes paid by the hard working general public. It was weak government that gave them the generous publicly financed deal that they have now, and still they want more. Get back to work you bully boys and think yourselves lucky you have a job.

Grrrr. Here we go again. Unionised bullies who think they have the right to intimidate their customers with their selfish demands. These people are not productive. They are public sector workers who are paid out of our taxes; taxes paid by the hard working general public. It was weak government that gave them the generous publicly financed deal that they have now, and still they want more. Get back to work you bully boys and think yourselves lucky you have a job.Jess Jephcott

Grrrr. Here we go again. Unionised bullies who think they have the right to intimidate their customers with their selfish demands. These people are not productive. They are public sector workers who are paid out of our taxes; taxes paid by the hard working general public. It was weak government that gave them the generous publicly financed deal that they have now, and still they want more. Get back to work you bully boys and think yourselves lucky you have a job.

Score: 2

Nom De Plume says...6:33pm Thu 12 Jun 14

Boris wrote…

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

I am Joe Public and I support them.

Thanks Lads. We all support you and toot our horns when we pass the station. But come on please play the Wh*te man, you are pushing it a little bit. Most of you moonlight with two jobs. Give us a break with all this militant stuff, the country has just about got back on its feet and there you go with your Arthur Scargill routine. If our houses burn down because you lot are too busy doing your carnival routine outside the station with the oil dums, it wont be tooting our horns as we pass by, it will be more like "Two Winstons" Cops dont do it, Parameds don't, the Armed Forces don't, nor should you lot. By the way Boris as you support them, maybe you can volunteer to drive The Green Goddesses Then?

[quote][p][bold]Boris[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Say It As It Is OK?[/bold] wrote:
When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.[/p][/quote]I am Joe Public and I support them.[/p][/quote]Thanks Lads.
We all support you and toot our horns when we pass the station.
But come on please play the Wh*te man, you are pushing it a little bit.
Most of you moonlight with two jobs.
Give us a break with all this militant stuff, the country has just about got back on its feet and there you go with your Arthur Scargill routine.
If our houses burn down because you lot are too busy doing your carnival routine outside the station with the oil dums, it wont be tooting our horns as we pass by, it will be more like "Two Winstons"
Cops dont do it, Parameds don't, the Armed Forces don't, nor should you lot.
By the way Boris as you support them, maybe you can volunteer to drive The Green Goddesses Then?Nom De Plume

Boris wrote…

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

I am Joe Public and I support them.

Thanks Lads. We all support you and toot our horns when we pass the station. But come on please play the Wh*te man, you are pushing it a little bit. Most of you moonlight with two jobs. Give us a break with all this militant stuff, the country has just about got back on its feet and there you go with your Arthur Scargill routine. If our houses burn down because you lot are too busy doing your carnival routine outside the station with the oil dums, it wont be tooting our horns as we pass by, it will be more like "Two Winstons" Cops dont do it, Parameds don't, the Armed Forces don't, nor should you lot. By the way Boris as you support them, maybe you can volunteer to drive The Green Goddesses Then?

Score: 1

Boris says...1:07am Fri 13 Jun 14

Nom De Plume wrote…

Boris wrote…

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

I am Joe Public and I support them.

Thanks Lads. We all support you and toot our horns when we pass the station. But come on please play the Wh*te man, you are pushing it a little bit. Most of you moonlight with two jobs. Give us a break with all this militant stuff, the country has just about got back on its feet and there you go with your Arthur Scargill routine. If our houses burn down because you lot are too busy doing your carnival routine outside the station with the oil dums, it wont be tooting our horns as we pass by, it will be more like "Two Winstons" Cops dont do it, Parameds don't, the Armed Forces don't, nor should you lot. By the way Boris as you support them, maybe you can volunteer to drive The Green Goddesses Then?

Nom de plume, I can't be bothered with the rest of your rant, but as you take my name in vain, I will answer that. You are clearly very confused. If I support the firefighters, why would i want to stab them in the back? And the Green Goddesses were all phased out in 2005 (yes, i checked that). Just avoid risky behaviour during the 24 hours of this strike, and you will be all right. Added to which, if there was a really serious incident, you know very well that the firefighters would be straight back. They have more conscience than you have.

[quote][p][bold]Nom De Plume[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Boris[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Say It As It Is OK?[/bold] wrote:
When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.[/p][/quote]I am Joe Public and I support them.[/p][/quote]Thanks Lads.
We all support you and toot our horns when we pass the station.
But come on please play the Wh*te man, you are pushing it a little bit.
Most of you moonlight with two jobs.
Give us a break with all this militant stuff, the country has just about got back on its feet and there you go with your Arthur Scargill routine.
If our houses burn down because you lot are too busy doing your carnival routine outside the station with the oil dums, it wont be tooting our horns as we pass by, it will be more like "Two Winstons"
Cops dont do it, Parameds don't, the Armed Forces don't, nor should you lot.
By the way Boris as you support them, maybe you can volunteer to drive The Green Goddesses Then?[/p][/quote]Nom de plume, I can't be bothered with the rest of your rant, but as you take my name in vain, I will answer that.
You are clearly very confused. If I support the firefighters, why would i want to stab them in the back? And the Green Goddesses were all phased out in 2005 (yes, i checked that).
Just avoid risky behaviour during the 24 hours of this strike, and you will be all right. Added to which, if there was a really serious incident, you know very well that the firefighters would be straight back. They have more conscience than you have.Boris

Nom De Plume wrote…

Boris wrote…

Say It As It Is OK? wrote…

When are these guys going to get into the real world. Millions of workers are affected by the changes in pension age and length of pension contributions. What makes them so special? They have all but lost the support they once had from Joe public.

I am Joe Public and I support them.

Thanks Lads. We all support you and toot our horns when we pass the station. But come on please play the Wh*te man, you are pushing it a little bit. Most of you moonlight with two jobs. Give us a break with all this militant stuff, the country has just about got back on its feet and there you go with your Arthur Scargill routine. If our houses burn down because you lot are too busy doing your carnival routine outside the station with the oil dums, it wont be tooting our horns as we pass by, it will be more like "Two Winstons" Cops dont do it, Parameds don't, the Armed Forces don't, nor should you lot. By the way Boris as you support them, maybe you can volunteer to drive The Green Goddesses Then?

Nom de plume, I can't be bothered with the rest of your rant, but as you take my name in vain, I will answer that. You are clearly very confused. If I support the firefighters, why would i want to stab them in the back? And the Green Goddesses were all phased out in 2005 (yes, i checked that). Just avoid risky behaviour during the 24 hours of this strike, and you will be all right. Added to which, if there was a really serious incident, you know very well that the firefighters would be straight back. They have more conscience than you have.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standardards Organisations's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a compaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here